GARDNER, Kan. (KCTV) – Gardner Edgerton High School has installed a new state-of-the-art weather monitoring system. It’s been atop the Advanced Technical Center between the high school building and sports fields.
Jason Radel, Gardner Edgerton High School’s athletic director and assistant principal, says it’s been up the last two weeks.
“We’re excited about this,” said Radel. “The big thing for us is that we’re the only ones in this area. We’re a one high school town. I know there are a couple of others that have it, but they’re a little bit bigger and have multiple areas. We have this one spot. It helps us with our middle school, too.”
The system can detect and provide real-time alerts when there is lightning in the area.
“You got the two sirens on it and the strobe light will flash when the lightning is within ten miles,” said Radel. “It will stop flashing when the 30 minutes is up. The sirens go off at first, and then they’ll go off after the 30 minutes is up to let you know it’s clear.”
It also measures heat and humidity levels with Wet Bulb Globe Temperature readings to ensure safe participation conditions during practices and games.
“With the heat that we get here, we need to know whether we can keep our kids safe or not,” said Radel. “Whether we need to go inside or change practices around, go early, whatever it may be.”
The system provides live updates and data you can access on your phone.
“A widget on the app will be accessed by families, by coaches, by everybody,” said Radel. “They’ll see the 30-minute timer so they’ll know how long they need to take cover, whether they can come back and come out.”
Radel adds that this will keep those participating in sports, as well as those watching, safer. The district says it is reviewing the feasibility of implementing the tools at its middle and elementary schools.
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